Terraced Paddy Field (Tanada)

There is a small flatland in Japan, so our ancestors put their efforts into the expansion of the field. It is “tanada,” terraced paddy field, that they made it possible. Very, very hard work! There were a lot of terraced paddy fields throughout Japan, but it has become difficult to keep rice growing there, because of the decrease of agricultural population and the aging problem.

On the other hand, the beautiful scenery of tanada gives us healing and reminds us of “Japanese spirit.” In recent years some people started to help the rice planting work on terrace voluntarily. I think tanada is one of cultural assets in Japan.

Yesterday I visited terraced paddy fields at Hayama in Miura Peninsula. They are small paddy fields. Five farmers are engaged in those fields.
This is a panoramic view.

This is a picture seen from the bottom.

Three farmers were working in grass cutting before rice planting.

These three farmers were classmates.

The picture below is tanada at Asuka in Nara which I visited in April.